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Rheological behavior of asphalt binders and fatigue resistance of SMA

mixtures modified with nano-silica containing RAP materials under the effect
of mixture conditioning

Article in Construction and Building Materials · October 2021

DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124433

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 Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Construction and Building Materials

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/conbuildmat

Rheological behavior of asphalt binders and fatigue resistance of SMA

mixtures modified with nano-silica containing RAP materials under the
effect of mixture conditioning
Neda Kamboozia *, Seyed Ataollah Saed , Sina Mousavi Rad
School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran

A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T

Keywords: Due to the environmentally associated issues regarding the construction or rehabilitation of asphalt pavements
Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) with merely virgin materials, researchers have proposed the re-utilization of the reclaimed asphalt pavement
Nano-silica (RAP) materials. However, their adoption in asphalt pavements is detrimental to the fatigue performance of
SMA mixture
asphalt pavements. For this, modifying asphalt binders with nanoparticles has been one of the successful choices
Fatigue resistance
Rheological behavior
among researchers. In this study, different compounds of asphalt binders and stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mix­
Mixture conditioning tures containing 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% RAP materials modified with 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-silica were
prepared. Moreover, the rheological behavior of each mix was evaluated using several tests, including rotational
viscosity (RV) considering the flow activation energy (FAE) method, frequency sweep, Multiple Stress Creep
Recovery (MSCR), Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS), and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR). Besides, the fatigue
performance of aged SMA mixtures was investigated using the four-point beam fatigue (4 PB) test. The results
indicated that the temperature susceptibility of binders was decreased by the addition of nano-silica and RAP
binder. Also, according to the MSCR and frequency sweep tests results, the rutting resistance of modified binders
with the RAP binder was superior to that of the base binder. Besides, due to the establishment of a network by
nano-silica within the structure of the asphalt binder in which the functional groups of asphalt binder interact
with nanoparticles, the modified binders with RAP binder outperformed their unmodified counterparts regarding
the fatigue life. Also, aging had a less detrimental impact on the fatigue life of the RAP contained SMA mixtures.
However, the low-temperature performance of binders was degraded by the addition of nano-silica.

1. Introduction colloidal silica, and fumed silica [2]. The nanosized silicas employment
is not confined to areas like medicine and drug delivery. They are
The Carbon nanotube is among different nanoparticles consisting of applied in the field of asphalt modification as well [2,4]. Furthermore,
an accumulated one-atom-thick sheet of graphite into a long hollow nano-silica-modified asphalt mixtures indicate better fatigue resistance
cylinder that is capable of improving pavement materials [1,2]. On the than those of unmodified mixtures, but understanding the extent to
one hand, Carbon nanotubes are recognized to strengthen the rutting which nano-silica improves fatigue properties of asphalt mixtures is
performance of asphalt binders [1]. However, On the other hand, carbon necessary [5]. Besides, the relevant literature [6,7] indicates that
nanotube has an adverse effect on the low-temperature cracking resis­ although the addition of nano-silica into asphalt binders increases the
tance of binders [3]. It should be noted that the more abundant and difference between the softening points of the top and bottom of the
cheaper the nanoparticles, the more they are expected to be used. For samples, the level of increase is not greater than 2.5 ◦ C, indicating that
instance, nano-clay is plentiful and has a low cost. For these reasons, the nano-silica modified samples are storage stable.
nanoclay has received considerable interest in the modification of Due to the increasing demand for transportation, more and more
asphalt [4]. Nano-silica is categorized into the inorganic materials that is highways are needed to be constructed, resulting in the higher utiliza­
produced from silica precursors [4]. Silica is a prolific compound found tion of aggregates and bitumen. Heedless extraction of aggregates from
over the earth that is used mainly in industries like creating silica gels, mountains and rivers poses many environmental issues since they are

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: [email protected] (N. Kamboozia).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124433
Received 10 November 2020; Received in revised form 31 July 2021; Accepted 1 August 2021
Available online 24 August 2021
0950-0618/© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

not renewable and replenishable [8,9]. Besides, natural resources’ relationship between G*sinδ and fatigue life parameters in time sweep
deficiency and built-up cost of bitumen and waste materials’ disposal to and LAS tests was not found [31]. Bhat and Mir (2020) and Ghanoon and
the landfills exhort experts to remove and recycle existing pavement Tanzadeh (2019) conducted studies on the rutting performance of
materials referred to as reclaimed asphalt pavement(RAP) to reuse or binders modified with nano-silica, and the results of the MSCR test on
reconstruct pavements [10]. Therefore, reusing RAP materials in con­ modified and unmodified binders indicated that the addition of nano-
structing or rehabilitation of pavements has brought about several silica could reduce Jnr value, suggesting higher rutting resistance of
environmental advantages as well as cost reduction due to the declined modified binders [32,33]. Leiva-Villacorta and Vargas-Nordcbeck
use of virgin binder and aggregates [11–13]. (2019), in their study on the effect of nano-silica on the rheological
The incorporation of RAP materials in pavements is accompanied by and chemical behavior of asphalt binders, stated that the incorporation
numerous advantages and disadvantages. In respect of moisture sensi­ of 3% nano-silica could enhance the overall performance of asphalt
tivity and rutting resistance, RAP mixes have better performance. The binders that could be considered as the optimum dose of nano-silica by
former decreases with the addition of RAP materials into asphalt mix­ the weight of bitumen [34]. Fakhri and Mottahed (2021) investigated
tures, which is due to the strong bonding between the aged RAP binder the effect of nanoclay addition on the moisture susceptibility and frac­
and aggregates [14,15]. Also, the latter enhances by the addition of RAP ture resistance of asphalt mixtures with RAP materials [15]. They
materials into mixtures [16–18]. Because of the aged and brittle binder, concluded that although the addition of nanoclay increases the stiffness
on the other hand, the fatigue resistance of binders/mixtures containing of already stiff mixtures with RAP materials, it fortifies the bond be­
RAP materials is relatively low [19–21]. However, an improvement in tween the asphalt binder and aggregates due to the network created
the fatigue resistance of asphalt binders/mixtures containing RAP ma­ within the asphalt binder at nano-scale. This resulted in an improvement
terials was reported [13]. In order to restore binders’ properties to their in the fracture and moisture resistance of mixtures. Their research study
relatively pristine condition and ameliorate their rheological behavior, showed that the usefulness of nanomaterials in improving the perfor­
researchers have proposed the application of recycling agents mance of binders/mixtures with RAP materials could not be fully
[14,22,23]. Moreover, although the incorporation of recycling agents characterized by the effect of nanomaterials on increasing or decreasing
improves the fatigue resistance of mixtures, they have an adverse impact the stiffness. However, their effect on improving the performance of
on the rutting and moisture-induced damages resistance of mixtures binders/mixtures might be dependent upon their role in the micro-
[11,14]. In addition to recycling agents, adding softer bitumen to the structure of asphalt binders and how they interact with the molecules
reclaimed materials effectively increases fatigue resistance [10]. of asphalt binders.
Furthermore, warm mix additives, such as sasobit and zychoterm, are Many studies centered on nano-silica and other nanoparticles have
beneficial for RAP mixes’ high-temperature properties concerning the been conducted to explore its effect on asphalt mixtures. Bala et al.
improvement of the rutting resistance [24]. (2020) explored the effect of nano-silica and the content of binder on the
The significant growth in transportation by vehicles induced the performance of asphalt mixtures, and the results indicated that
implementation and design of high-traffic highways. In this case, a gap- increasing the content of nano-silica, on the one hand, led to a rise in
graded asphalt mixture known as Stone Matrix Asphalt(SMA) mixture is Marshall stability, fatigue life and indirect tensile strength. Neverthe­
proposed. This mixture sprung from Germany in 1960, which was later less, on the other hand, the Marshall flow and voids in mineral aggregate
used in the United States as Europe’s great success was observed [25]. declined [35]. Obaid (2020) used polypropylene in conjunction with
Since SMA mixtures have special gradation and a high proportion of nano-silica at varying contents to evaluate their impacts on the perfor­
coarse aggregates that are resistant to loads, they exhibit better per­ mance of asphalt mixtures, and identified that the incorporation of
formance concerning the permanent deformation [25]. However, one of nano-silica into asphalt mixtures enhanced the overall performance of
the SMA mixtures’ disadvantages is that their resistance to fatigue asphalt mixtures, which was more evident at higher nano-silica contents
phenomenon is lower than dense-graded asphalt mixtures [25]. So, [36]. Bala and Napiah (2020), in their research of analyzing fatigue and
modifying SMA mixtures to reach better fatigue life is beneficial. For rutting behavior of polymer/nano-silica composite asphalt mixtures,
this, in this study, the fatigue behavior of RAP incorporated SMA mix­ recognized that the average rutting depth of polymer/nano-silica com­
tures modified with nano-silica was investigated. posite mixtures was significantly lower. Moreover, among different
Shafabakhsh et al. (2020), in their research of rheological behavior mixtures PP/nanosilica composite mixtures had higher fatigue resis­
assessment of nano-silica and nano-TiO2 modified binders, showed that tance [37]. In another study, Razavi and Kavussi (2020) investigated the
by modifying asphalt binder from 0.3% to 1.2% with nanomaterials effects of different nanomaterials and fillers on the moisture suscepti­
mentioned above, rutting and fatigue resistance of binders enhanced. bility of asphalt mixtures, and suggested that the application of 20%
However, low-temperature features of binders were not affected hydrated lime filler, 4% nano-hydrated lime, 5% CaCO3 filler, and 4%
significantly by the addition of nanomaterials [26]. Ziari et al. (2015) nano-CaCO3 to asphalt binder led to the promotion in TSR results by
investigated the effect of nano zycosoil on the performance of glasphalt 60%, 61%, 57%, and 59%, respectively [38].
mixtures, and suggested that the addition of nano zycosoil increased the Sadeghnejad and Shafabakhsh (2017) carried out different tests on
stiffness modulus and decreased the permanent deformation of mixtures nano-TiO2 and nano-SiO2 modified SMA mixtures. Results showed that
[27]. Moreover, Behbahani et al. (2015) showed that the nano zycosoil the addition of both nanomaterials to the SMA mixture resulted in longer
decreased the moisture sensitivity of mixtures [28]. Nejad et al. (2017) fatigue life and higher rutting resistance in which the optimum contents
showed that by adding nano-TiO2, nano-SiO2, and CaCO3, complex of nano-SiO2 and nano-TiO2 to obtain the best results attributed to the
modulus values of asphalt binders mounted, and phase angle declined as parameters mentioned above were 1.2% and 0.9%, respectively [39].
compared to the neat binder [29]. Nazari et al. (2018) explored the Ameri et al. (2017) conducted research on evaluating the effect of
fatigue life of asphalt binders modified with nano-silica, nano-TiO2, and different contents of nano-clay and SBS on rutting resistance of SMA
CaCO3, and the results indicated that modifying binder with nano­ mixtures. They concluded that by adding 5% SBS and 3% nano-clay into
materials yielded an increase in the fatigue life since an inorganic the asphalt binder, the highest rutting resistance could be obtained [40].
network has formed into the asphalt matrix. Another point from their Kordi and Shafabakhsh (2017) investigated the impact of nano Fe2O3
study is that at high strain levels, the anti-oxidant impact of these on the performance of stone mastic asphalt and realized that the addi­
nanoparticles is significant, contributing to higher fatigue life [30]. tion of 0.9% nano led fatigue life to increase by between 15% and 35%
Motamedi et al. (2020) discovered the effect of nano-silica and synthe­ compared to the control mixture [41].
sized polyurethane on the fatigue phenomenon of asphalt binders and Different additives have been used by researchers to improve the
mastics, and suggested that the application of nano-silica and synthe­ technical properties of asphalt binders/mixtures with RAP materials. In
sized polyurethane induced an increase in fatigue life, and a significant this vein, using rejuvenators has been categorized as one of the

2
N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

extensively adopted methods for revitalizing the aged asphalt binder. Table 2
However, it was reported that the use of rejuvenators is detrimental to Properties of nano-silica.
the moisture and rutting resistance of mixtures with RAP materials Properties Unit Value
[9,11]. Therefore, the use of an additive that improves the overall per­ 2
Specific surface area m /g 175–525
formance of mixtures with RAP materials is of great importance. Ac­ pH value – 3.7–4.5
cording to the literature [35,38], the use of nano-silica in virgin asphalt Loss on drying* % ≤1.5
mixtures results in improving the rutting and fatigue resistance simul­ SiO2 content % >99.8
taneously. The reason for the former lies in its stiffening effect on Color – White
Bulk density g/l Approx.50
binders, and the reason for the latter can be explained by that due to the True density g/cm3 2.2
higher surface area of nano-silica, its addition into the binder creates a Melting point ◦
C 1684
network within the structure of the asphalt binder, resulting in a strong Morphology – Amorphous
interaction between nanoparticles and the functional groups of the Particles size nm 20–40
asphalt binder, especially the asphaltene phase [30]. Interestingly, this *2 h at 105 ◦ C.
further shows that the stiffening effect of nano-silica has nothing to do
with the characterization of the fatigue resistance of nano-silica- of the asphalt binder, as evidenced in Fig. 1, resulting in a strong
modified mixtures, but rather its chemical reaction with the functional interaction between nanoparticles and the functional groups of the
groups of asphalt binders causes the improvement in the cohesive bond asphalt binder, especially the asphaltene phase [30]. Thus, in this study,
and retardation of fatigue cracks. Far too Limited studies have been it was hypothesized that the inclusion of nano-silica into binders/mix­
carried out to explore the impacts of nanomaterials on rheological tures containing RAP materials might have the same beneficial results to
behavior of asphalt binders and performance of asphalt mixtures their properties. That is, according to the literature, one of the major
comprised of RAP materials. So in this study, two primary objectives shortcomings associated with the asphalt pavements with RAP materials
were pursued. First, the high, intermediate, and low-temperature is that they have poorer fatigue resistance; so, extending their shorter
properties of asphalt binders containing RAP binder modified with fatigue life is indispensable.
nano-silica were investigated. Second, the fatigue resistance of short and
long-term aged nano-silica modified SMA mixtures containing different
contents of RAP materials was evaluated. 2.3. RAP material

2. Experimental design A local highway in Tehran has been under service and the effect of
oxidation without being rehabilitated for 8 years, then the surface of
2.1. Base binder which was milled and RAP material through the milling process was
collected to use in this study. It is essential that the binder of RAP ma­
The base binder used in this study was a 60/70 penetration grade terial be extracted for determination of RAP binder content and grada­
asphalt binder obtained from a qualified oil company in Iran. The reason tion of RAP aggregates. Thus, RAP material was dissolved in toluene,
for selecting this type of binder was that it is commonly utilized in and binder of which was extracted in accordance with ASTM D2172M-
different regions [26]. The physical properties of this binder are pre­ 17 [42]. In order to achieve precise and reliable results, Many samples
sented in Table 1. from RAP material were derived. The average binder content was 4.9%
by the weight of the total mass. Afterward, It is necessary that the dis­
2.2. Nano-silica solved binder in toluene be recovered for further examinations. For this,
Binder recovery was accomplished by making use of a rotary evaporator
Nano-silica consists of chemical bonds between tiny silicon dioxide conforming to ASTM D5404M-12 [43]. RAP binder specifications are
particles whose great advantage is attributed to its huge surface area, summarized in Table 3. Besides, the gradation of extracted RAP material
resulting in higher interaction with the substrate [33]. The features of is shown in Fig. 2.
nano-silica used in this study are listed in Table 2. Moreover, the SEM
images of nano-silica used in this study are depicted in Fig. 1. As can be
seen in Fig. 1, the nano-silica particles have been dispersed uniformly 2.4. Aggregate
throughout the asphalt binder, and also a network establishment within
the structure of the asphalt binder is observed in the modified binder, Loadings applied by vehicles on pavement structure are primarily
which was also reported in a study conducted by Nazari et al. [30]. withstood by aggregates. Therefore, the type of aggregate adopted in
According to the relevant literature mentioned earlier, it was reported pavement structure possesses a crucial role in specifying the overall
that the nano-silica modified binders/mixtures display superior rutting performance of pavements. So, close attention must be devoted to select
and fatigue resistance over their unmodified counterparts. The reason and use the proper aggregates in the construction of pavements [44].
for the former lies in its stiffening effect on binders, and the reason for Limestone aggregates were used in this study and the characteristics of
the latter can be explained by that due to the higher surface area of nano- which were indicated in Table 4. It should be noted that the re­
silica, its addition into the binder creates a network within the structure quirements listed in Table 4 were based on AASHTO M325-08 [45].

Table 1
Physical features of base binder. 2.5. Cellulose fiber

Features Unit Standard Result

Due to SMA mixtures higher asphalt binder consumption, it is
Rotational viscosity at 135 C Pa.s ASTM D4402 0.35 necessary that particular additives be adopted to stabilize the mixture as
◦

Penetration 0.1 mm ASTM D5 64

well as preclude from draindown [46]. According to AASHTO M325-08,
Ductility cm ASTM D113 104
Softening point ◦
C ASTM D36 49 using a 0.3% cellulose fiber by the weight of the total mixture is rec­
Specific gravity g/cm3 ASTM D70 1.016 ommended to prevent draindown. In this study, the TOPCEL® cellulose
Flash point ◦
C ASTM D92 304 fiber is used in the amount of 0.3% by the weight of the total mixture.
Solubility in trichloroethylene % ASTM D2042 99.7 The Engineering features of TOPCEL® are listed in Table 5. The cellulose
Mass loss % ASTM D1754 0.11
fiber used in this study is illustrated in Fig. 3.

3
N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 1. The SEM images of nano-silica modified binder at: (left) 2000× agnification; (right) 15,000× magnification.

Table 3 Table 4
Specifications of RAP binder. Properties of limestone aggregates.
Specifications Unit Standard Value Properties Unit Standard Requirements Coarse Fine agg.
agg. (<4.75
Penetration 0.1 mm ASTM D5 31
(>4.75 mm)
Softening point ◦
C ASTM D36 59
mm)
Ductility cm ASTM D113 7.2
Rotational viscosity at 135 ◦ C Pa.s ASTM D4402 2.76 Los Angeles % AASHTO ≤30 23 –
Abrasion T96
Flat and % ASTM ≤20 8 –
Elongated (3 D4791
to 1)
Flat and % ASTM ≤5 0.8 –
Elongated (5 D4791
to 1)
Absorption % AASHTO ≤2 1.2 –
T85
Soundness (5 % AASHTO ≤15 0.2 1.0
cycles), T104
Sodium
Sulfate
Crushed % ASTM 100 100 –
Content, One D5821
face
Crushed % ASTM ≥90 100 –
Content, Two D5821
face
Liquid Limit % AASHTO ≤25 – 18
Fig. 2. The gradation of RAP material. T89
Plasticity Index % AASHTO Non-plastic – Non-
T90 plastic
2.6. Mix design of asphalt binders and SMA mixtures Sand % AASHTO – – 84
equivalent T176
In this study, modified asphalt binders were prepared by adding 2%,
4%, and 6% nano-silica to the base binder by the weight of the total
binder mass. The reason for selecting these contents of nano-silica lies in Table 5
its extensive utilization at varying contents of 0.3–7%, according to the Engineering features of TOPCEL®.
literature [26,30,31,33,47,48]. With respect to the preparation of Specifications Unit Value
binders with RAP binder, unmodified and modified binders were mixed
Fiber content % 95
with the RAP binder at the contents of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% RAP Natural wax % 1.5–2.5
binder. Afterward, to simulate short-and long-term aging on binders, Bulk density g/l 420–480
they were subjected to RTFO and PAV aging processes, respectively. In Moisture content % ≤6
addition, in order to ease of reporting, several codes were assigned on Residue on ignition % 10–20
Average fiber length mm 15
mixes. The general configuration of codes corresponds to “aging con­
Average fiber thickness mm 4.5
dition + B + nano-silica content + N + RAP content + R.” Aging con­
ditions of the original, RTFO-aged, and PAV-aged binders are
abbreviated to O, R, and P, respectively. Nano-silica content is in the
range of 2% to 6%. Also, the RAP content varies from 20% to 50%. For
instance, RB4N-20R represents the RTFO-aged binders containing 4%

4
N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Table 7
The volumetric mixture design of SMA mixtures
Asphalt mixture OBC VMA Binder replacement Air void
(%) (%) (%) (%)

Control mixture 6.12 18.33 – 4

Control mixture + 6.21 19.17 14.95 4
20%RAP
Control mixture + 6.29 19.54 22.23 4
30%RAP
Control mixture + 6.27 19.78 29.88 4
40%RAP
Control mixture + 6.33 20.36 37.17 4
50%RAP

2.8. Rotational viscosity test

Binders’ ease of handling, mixing, and compaction are attributed to

their viscosity [49]. So, in this study, rotational viscosity of the base
binder and modified binders were measured at 110 ◦ C, 135 ◦ C, 150 ◦ C,
and 165 ◦ C with a spindle size of 27 employing Brookfield viscometer at
the shear rate of 20 RPM according to AASHTO T316-19 [50]. The
binder was heated to 130 ◦ C and poured into the cylinder. The spindle
Fig. 3. TOPCEL® cellulose fiber. was later placed into the cylinder and held for 30 min to reach the
equilibrant test temperature [51]. Afterward, the spindle’s rotation
nano-silica and 20% RAP binder. Also, PB-40R demonstrates unmodified speed was set to 20 RPM, and viscosity was recorded at 180s. This test
PAV-aged binders containing 40% RAP binder. was performed on unaged, RTFO aged, and PAV aged binders.
One of the preliminary stages in the mix design of asphalt mixtures is
determining mixtures’ gradation. The gradation of SMA mixtures was 2.8.1. Flow activation energy
selected based on AASHTO M325-08. The nominal maximum aggregate As asphalt binders are heated to reach a high temperature, they have
size in this study is 12.5 mm. The designated gradation of SMA mixtures the viscous flow, meaning that they go through a process in which
in this study is indicated in Table 6. Afterward, for fabricating the thermal activation occurs [52]. The Flow Activation Energy(FAE) is
specimens, virgin aggregates and RAP materials were stored at mixing proposed by researchers to characterize binders’ resistance to the
temperature for 16 and 2 h, respectively. Then, mixing RAP materials at flowing as well as their workability [52,53]. In this study, The rela­
the contents of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% with virgin aggregates and tionship between viscosity and temperature was determined, and the
fibers were preceded by the addition of the virgin binder into the flow activation energy was derived using eq. (1) as follows [53]:
mixture. Subsequently, the optimum binder content (OBC) of each Ef
mixture compound was determined using the Marshall method, ac­ lnη = + lnA (1)
RT
cording to AASHTO T245-15 [11]. The volumetric mixture design of
different SMA mixtures containing 0%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% RAP where η is the rotational viscosity of binder (Pa.s), Ef is the flow acti­
materials is listed in Table 7. The binder replacement in Table 7 equals vation energy (KJ mol− 1),
to the ratio of the RAP binder to the total binder mass in mixtures. In R is the universal gas constant (8.314 × 10− 3KJ.mol− 1 K− 1), T is the
addition, the above-mentioned stages associated with the experimental temperature (K), and A is a constant.
stages used in this study are illustrated in Fig. 4.

2.7. Mixing of nano-silica into the base binder 2.9. Frequency sweep test

Mixing nanomaterials and asphalt binders are performed by a high- This test was conducted in frequency ranges between 0.1 and 60 Hz
shear mixer at a rate of above 4000 RPM, at a temperature range be­ at temperatures of 52 ◦ C, 58 ◦ C, and 64 ◦ C and shear strain of 1% using a
tween 130 ◦ C and 165 ◦ C, continuing for 40 to 60 min [30]. In this study, Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) instrument. The selection of
the base binder was heated to 150 ◦ C, and the required amount of which mentioned temperatures is attributed to the extensive use of binders
was poured into the mixer’s cup. The mixing procedure was commenced with high-temperature performance grades between 52 ◦ C and 64 ◦ C,
with the gradual adding of 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-silica into the base which is due to the usual regional conditions. The plate’s gap and
binder while the mixer was rotating at the rate of 4000 RPM, keeping on diameter utilized in this study were 1 mm and 25 mm, respectively.
for 15 min. Then, spinning speed was kept at 6000 RPM for 45 min to The objective of this test is to specify the complex shear modulus
nanoparticles be distributed uniformly. (G*) and phase angle (δ) of binders at varying frequencies, as well as to
construct complex shear modulus and phase angle master curves. For
this, in the beginning, the complex shear modulus and phase angle
values at temperatures of 52 ◦ C and 64 ◦ C are shifted horizontally to
their counterparts at the reference temperature of 58 ◦ C. Afterward,

Table 6
The gradation of SMA mixtures
Sieve Size (mm) 12.5 9.5 4.75 2.36 1.18 0.6 0.3 0.075 <0.075

Percent Passing(%) requirements* 90–100 50–80 20–35 16–24 – – – – 8–11

Percent Passing(%) 97 77 34 23 19 16 13 10 10

*These requirements are based on AASHTO M325-08.

5
N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 4. The experimental stages used in this study.

complex modulus master curves were constructed using Christensen- Fig. 5 shows the complex modulus master curve construction of the
Anderson-Marasteanu (CAM) model presented in eq. (2) [54,55]. base binder. As can be seen, first, the measured complex modulus values
⃒ ⃒ of the binder at temperatures of 52 ◦ C and 64 ◦ C were shifted horizon­
⃒ *⃒
⃒Gg ⃒ tally to the reference temperature of 58 ◦ C. Then, the CAM model was
*
|G | = (2)
( )k fitted to the complex modulus values versus reduced frequency data. In
[1 + ffc’ ]m/k this study, the same approach was adopted to construct complex
modulus master curves for other types of binders, which are discussed
⃒ ⃒
later.
where ⃒G*g ⃒ = glassy shear modulus considered 109 Pa in this study, k and
⃒ ⃒
After constructing complex modulus master curves of binders, the
m = fitting constants, f ’ = reduced frequency (Hz), and fc = cross-over phase angle (δ) master curves were also constructed at the reference
frequency (Hz). temperature of 58 ◦ C using the CAM model presented in eq. (3) as

Fig. 5. Complex modulus master curve construction of the base binder.

6
N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

follows [56]: the fatigue resistance of asphalt binders [59]. In this study, the LAS test
was performed on the PAV aged binders at 20 ◦ C, according to AASHTO
90.m
δ= ’ (3) TP101 [60,61]. Based on the mentioned specification, It is necessary
[1 + ffc ]k that two stages of tests comprising of frequency sweep test and ampli­
tude sweep test be performed on binders to determine the fatigue per­
where k and m = fitting constants, f ’ = reduced frequency (Hz), and fc = formance. The former, representing the properties of undamaged
cross-over frequency (Hz). materials, was conducted at frequencies ranging from 0.2 to 30 HZ
The stages mentioned for constructing the complex modulus master considering strain amplitude of 0.1%. The latter was performed at a 10
curves are also true for phase angle master curves construction, with the Hz constant frequency while amplitude increasing linearly from 0.1 to
only distinction that the fitted model for phase angle master curves 30% [59,60]. Consequently, the fatigue life of any given binder com­
complies with the equation (3). pound was determined using the guidelines prepared by the mentioned
specification.
2.10. Multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test
2.12. Bending beam rheometer (BBR) test
This test was performed on RTFO-aged binders at 52 ◦ C, 58 ◦ C, 64 ◦ C,
and 70 ◦ C with a plate having 25 mm diameter and 1 mm gap using a This test was conducted to investigate the low-temperature proper­
Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) in accordance with AASHTO TP70-12 ties of PAV aged binders at − 6 ◦ C, − 12 ◦ C, and − 18 ◦ C. The creep rate,
[57,58]. Since it is expected that the addition of RAP binder into binder known as m-value and creep stiffness (S) were determined in the 60s,
compounds will result in a leap in the high-temperature performance according to AASHTO T313-19 [8,62]. In this study, a total of 60 sam­
grade, the temperature of 70 ◦ C was also selected to investigate the ples were tested at each temperature by considering 3 replicates, and the
rutting performance of binders in addition to the lower temperatures. In average values of 3 replicates were reported. Thus, at each temperature,
addition, the adoption of such a high temperature, i.e., 70 ◦ C, will give 20 outputs were reported.
an enlightening insight into the extent to which the nano-silica and RAP
binder affect the traffic grading of the binders. The stress levels 2.13. Four-point bending beam fatigue test
employed in this test were 100 and 3200 Pa, consecutively without
applying rest time between stress levels to ensure that non-linear For fabricating the beam fatigue specimens, virgin aggregates and
viscoelastic behavior occurred. Based on the code, Ten cycles were RAP material were stored at mixing temperature for 16 and 2 h,
applied for each stress level with 1s loading, followed by 9s recovery. respectively. Then, mixing RAP materials with virgin aggregates and
This test has several outputs, each of which is an indicator of a fibers were preceded by the addition of the virgin binder into the
parameter. Non-recoverable creep compliance, known as Jnr, is an index mixture. The prepared mixtures were later placed at 135 ◦ C for 4 h to
representing the rutting performance of binders. The lower the Jnr, the simulate short-term aging. To evaluate the fatigue life of mixtures, short-
higher the rutting resistance. The elasticity of binders could be catego­ term aged mixtures were compacted to 4% air void slabs using a Roller
rized based on the percent recovery (R%) parameter. Jnr value at 100 Wheel Compactor. The slabs were then cut into flexural beams and long-
and 3200 Pa could be obtained using eqs. (4) and (5), respectively. term aged by keeping beams at 85 ◦ C for 120 h.
Besides, the R% parameter at 100 and 3200 Pa could be derived by the This test was conducted at 20 ◦ C and a loading frequency of 10 Hz
use of eqs. (6) and (7), respectively. based on AASHTO T321 [63]. Prior to initiating the test, specimens were
SUM[∊0.1
10
for 10 cycles] held at 20 ◦ C for four hours in the chamber. In terms of selecting strain
Jnr,100 = (4) levels, the strain levels of 500 με and 700 με were chosen for mixtures
10
contained RAP materials. For this, a total of 60 specimens at each strain
SUM[∊3.2
10
for 10 cycles] level and aging condition were tested by considering 3 replicates for
Jnr,3200 = (5) each mixture, and the average values of replicates were reported.
10
( ) Therefore, 20 outputs were reported.
SUM[ (∊1 − ∊10 )×100
for 10 cycles at 100Pa] Based on the specification, mixtures’ initial stiffness is identified at
∊1
the 50th cycle; and the cycle at which the initial stiffness is declined by
R%100 = (6)
10 50% of initial stiffness is considered the fatigue life of mixtures.
( )
SUM[ (∊1 − ∊10 )×100
for 10 cycles at 3200 Pa] 3. Results and discussion
∊1
R%3200 = (7)
10 3.1. Rotational viscosity test results
where ∊10 is the adjusted strain value at the end of the recovery portion
of each cycle, and ∊1 is the adjusted strain value at the end of the creep Rotational viscosities of original, RTFO aged, and RTFO + PAV aged
portion of each cycle. binders with varying RAP binder and nano-silica contents are displayed
In addition to the mentioned parameters, the stress sensitivity of in Fig. 6. As can be seen, the incorporation of RAP binder into mixes
binders could be characterized using the parameter known as Jnr-diff, as results in promoting the viscosity values. This is due to the alteration
given in eq. (8). Moreover, the R%diff parameter could be obtained by occurring in the ductility and viscosity of binders. The former decreases,
calculating eq. (9) as follows: while the latter increases with the aging process because, during the
aging, the proportion of maltenes and asphaltenes changes dramatically
Jnr− =
[Jnr,3200 − Jnr,100 ] × 100
(8) [64]. The incorporation of RAP binder into the unmodified original
binder results in a rise of viscosities by an average of 115.2%, 47.1%,
diff
Jnr,100
77.9%, and 104.5% at 110 ◦ C, 135 ◦ C, 150 ◦ C, and 165 ◦ C, respectively,
R%diff =
[R%100 − R%3200 ] × 100
(9) compared to the base binder, indicating that the addition of RAP binder
R%100 into the base binder has the most significant effect on viscosity value at
110 ◦ C. Moreover, it is evident from Fig. 6 that the aging leads to an
2.11. Linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test increase in viscosity of binders.
The average viscosity of RTFO and RTFO + PAV aged binders are
LAS is an accelerated and commonly used test method to represent 174.8% and 689.7% higher than the original base binder, respectively,

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Fig. 6. Rotational viscosities of asphalt binders with: (a) 0% RAP binder; (b) 20% RAP binder; (c) 30 % RAP binder; (d) 40% RAP binder; (e) 50% RAP binder.

which stems from the hardening of asphalt binders due to the demolition observed that the more RAP content increases and temperature de­
of lighter components. The impact of aging on increasing the viscosity of creases, the more significance level of nano-silica modification’s effect
binders was reflected more evidently on which the PAV aging was on viscosity of asphalt binders augments. Furthermore, the more nano-
performed; Since the greater stiffening of binders occurred at this aging silica content increases, the more the above-mentioned amounts in­
stage. Besides, a sharp increase of viscosity occurs in binders containing crease. Based on Superpave specification, the maximum amount of
40% RAP binder, especially in binders on which RTFO and PAV aging rotational viscosity for binders at 135 ◦ C should not be higher than 3 Pa.s
was applied, considering Fig. 6. This is because of the coupling effects of [65]. However, PAV aged binders containing 40% and 50% RAP binder
RAP inclusion and aging procedure, resulting in an escalated stiffening modified with 4% and 6% nano-silica did not meet the requirement
of binders. mentioned above. This is due to the excessive hardening of binders.
In terms of evaluating the influence of temperature and RAP content Regarding the concurrent effects of RAP binder incorporation and nano-
on viscosity behavior of nano-silica modified asphalt binders, it is silica addition into asphalt binders, it should be noted that the coupling

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N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

effects of RAP binder and nano-silica addition on increasing viscosities and 23.3%, respectively, compared to the original base binder. It should
of binders are much more apparent. The impact of aging on nano be noted that although nano-silica modified binders have higher FAE
modified binders is similar to unmodified binders in that the aging than the original base binder, a difference in the trend of PAV-aged
contributes to increasing viscosity more significantly. binders can be observed as compared with original and RTFO-aged
binders. As can be seen, the effect of nano-silica on binders subjected
3.1.1. Flow activation energy (FAE) results to the PAV aging process can be explained by that nano-silica induces
The asphalt binders’ workability plays a crucial role in determining PAV-aged binders’ FAE to decrease by an average of 7.1%, 7.2%, 6.7%,
energy consumption required for the construction of pavements. The 8.0%, and 10.1% compared to PAV-aged binders containing 0%, 20%,
workability of binders is directly attributed to their fluidity. In other 30%, 40%, and 50% RAP binder, respectively. However, this trend for
words, The improvement of workability is dependant upon the extent to original and RTFO-aged binders is vice versa, implying that after PAV
which the fluidity increases. The fluidity of binders has a good rela­ aging, nano-silica increases binders’ sensitivity to temperature changes.
tionship with temperature, which accordingly changes as the tempera­
ture varies [53]. The flow activation energy is a measurement of 3.2. Frequency sweep test results
binders’ fluidity vulnerability to temperature changes. Higher flow
activation energy indicates that binders have lower susceptibility to Incorporation of nano-silica into the asphalt binders changes their
temperature variations, which accordingly results in higher resistance to rheological behavior. It has been proposed that nanoparticles in asphalt
binder’s flow [53]. The results of flow activation energy (FAE) values for binders interact more effectively with the rheological properties of
different binders are shown in Fig. 7. asphalt binders rather than with their physical properties, such as
According to Fig. 7(a), the addition of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% RAP powders’ average size and shape [30].
binder into the unmodified original binder results in increasing the The results of complex modulus and phase angle master curves of
activation energy by 1.1%, 0.6%, 2.4%, and 4.0%, respectively, indi­ RTFO-aged asphalt binders are shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, respectively.
cating that RAP binder incorporation into the asphalt binder leads to the As can be seen in Fig. 8, the addition of nano-silica increases the complex
reduction in sensitivity of asphalt binders to temperature changes. This modulus values, implying that nano-silica modified binders are much
correlates with increased energy required for pavement construction, stiffer than the base binder. This can be explained by that the elasticity
which accordingly results in giving rise to CO2 consumption and emis­ and surface area of nano-silica is higher than asphalt binders, which
sion into the atmosphere that could be categorized into one of the RAP leads to nanoparticles interact with asphalt binders’ asphaltene phase
materials’ disadvantages. The increase in the flow activation energy profoundly [30]. Although nano-silica increases the overall norm of
values of binders with the RAP binder was also reported in a study complex modulus compared to the base binder, the effect of which in
conducted by Jamshidi et al. [66]. Also, the higher energy required for a higher frequencies is less evident compared to lower frequencies. This is
change in the flowing of asphalt binders having higher FAE values was because they approach to the glassy modulus by an increase in the fre­
endorsed by Haider et al. [67]. It is obvious in Fig. 7(a) that the nano- quency. The more the content of nano-silica increases, the more the
silica addition into the binder contributes to increasing flow activation complex modulus increases compared to unmodified binders. This oc­
energy. Particularly, a distinguishable increase in FAE is observed by the curs in response to the greater increase in the viscosity values of asphalt
addition of 2% nano-silica, represented by 2% NS in Fig. 7, into the binders when higher contents of nano-silica are incorporated, as evi­
original base binder that the amount of which was 19%, on average, denced in Fig. 6. This finding is in consonance with the discovery made
compared to the original base binder. This steep increase in FAE can be by Nazari et al. [30].
explained by that the nano-silica modification prompts a decrease in The addition of RAP binder into the base binder contributes to an
molecules’ activities of modified binders. There is a relationship be­ increase in binders’ complex modulus. The increase in complex modulus
tween the level of molecules’ activity and molecules’ distance from each of asphalt binders reflects more apparently on nano-silica modified
other. As the former declines, the latter decreases as well, indicating that binders containing RAP binder. This is because asphalt binders’
the forces among molecules fortify [52]. Besides, according to Fig. 7(a), increased complex modulus has a high affinity with the stiffening of
the minimum and maximum amount of FAE belong to the unmodified binders. As discussed earlier, the concurrent incorporation of RAP
original base binder and the binder containing 50%RAP binder modified binder and nano-silica increases the binders’ viscosity significantly,
with 2% nano-silica, respectively, implying that the former has the resulting in a steep increase in stiffness. Thus, the addition of RAP binder
lowest resistance to flow. In contrast, the latter has the lowest temper­ into the nano-silica modified binders results in a much more difference
ature vulnerability and the highest resistance to flow among binders. between their complex modulus and unmodified binders’ complex
According to Fig. 7(b), short-term aging affects binders’ FAE. FAE of modulus. Also, the CAM model parameters are presented in Table 8 for
RTFO-aged binders without RAP binder is 2% lower than that of the any type of binder compound. As can be seen, the R2 values for all types
original base binder. However, adding 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% RAP of binders are higher than 0.95, indicating that the CAM method can
binder into the mixes increases FAE by 10.3%, 12.2%, 12.5%, and 11.5% efficiently model the complex modulus master curves of binders.
on average, respectively, compared to the original base binder. It can be According to Fig. 9, the addition of nano-silica into asphalt binders
concluded that the incorporation of RAP binder into mixes lowers the decreases the phase angle, indicating that the nano-silica increases the
susceptibility of binders to temperature changes after short-term aging, elasticity of asphalt binders. This discovery is in line with the findings of
occurring during mixing and compaction of asphalt mixtures. Moreover, Nazari et al. [30]. Higher elasticity tips heavily in favor of rutting and
adding 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-silica into the base binder promotes the fatigue cracking. The former is characterized by G*/sinδ, while the latter
RTFO aged binders’ FAE by an average of 17.3%, 7.7%, and 4.7%, is identified as G*.sinδ, based on the Superpave specification. The
respectively, compared to the original base binder, suggesting that a 2% impact of nano-silica addition on reducing the phase angle is more
nano-silica application on asphalt binder results in increasing binders’ apparent in lower loading frequencies than higher frequencies. The
resistance to flow during mixing and compaction of asphalt mixtures reduction of phase angle escalates as the content of nano-silica used in
considerably. Thus, this feature of nano-silica is identified as a weakness mixes increases. It can be deduced that the nano-silica modified binders
in road construction. possess more elastic behavior as compared to the base binder, and this
According to Fig. 7(c), PAV aging results in a steep increase in feature of nano-silica is beneficial for the rutting performance of binders.
asphalt binders’ FAE. The average FAE of PAV-aged binders with 0% Considering Fig. 9, the addition of the RAP binder into the base
RAP binder is 18.9% higher than that of the original base binder. binder decreases the phase angle. Besides, close attention must be
Furthermore, the addition of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% RAP binder into devoted to the coupling effects of RAP binder addition and nano-silica
mixes increases binders’ FAE by an average of 20.4%, 19.9%, 24.0%, modification on phase angle behavior of asphalt binders. The addition

9
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Fig. 7. Flow activation energy of: (a) original binders; (b) RTFO-aged binders; (c) RTFO + PAV-aged binders.

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N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 8. Complex modulus master curves of different binders: (a) 0%NS; (b) 2%NS; (c) 4%NS; and (d) 6%NS.

of the RAP binder into the nano-silica modified binders affects their deformation returns to the pristine state.
phase angle properties considerably. The addition of the RAP binder into According to Fig. 10, the addition of RAP binder into the mixes en­
the nano-silica modified binders decreases the phase angle values sub­ hances their deformation restoring capacities. It can be concluded that a
stantially, indicating that the elasticity of binders increases when the good relationship is found between the binders’ hardness and the elastic
RAP binder is used in combination with the nano-silica. That is, the deformation. As the former increases, the latter accordingly increases as
modified binders containing RAP binder are dramatically stiffer than well. As discussed earlier, RAP binder and nano-silica addition into
their unmodified counterparts without the RAP binder. Additionally, the asphalt binders elevate their viscosity, which accordingly increase their
parameters obtained from the CAM model for phase angle master curves stiffness. Thus, the contemporaneous addition of RAP binder and nano-
of binders are presented in Table 9. As can be seen, the R2 values of the silica into the mixes augments their capacity of deformation recovery
binders with no RAP binder are lower than those of binders with RAP that is more evident at lower temperatures.
binder. This can be explained by that the binders containing the RAP Fig. 11 illustrates the non-recoverable creep compliance, Jnr, of each
binder display more stable phase angle values at lower frequencies, and binder at 3.2 KPa at temperatures of 52, 58, 64, and 70 ◦ C. As can be
this is beneficial to get the more precise model. witnessed, the addition of nano-silica into the base binder decreases the
Jnr values at any given temperature. For instance, the addition of nano-
3.3. MSCR test results silica into
The base binder decreases the Jnr values by an average of 53.3%,
Fig. 10 depicts the initial creep-recovery cycle of different binders at 48.0%, 51.3%, and 50.5% at temperatures of 52, 58, 64, and 70 ◦ C,
3.2 KPa, indicating that the addition of nano-silica decreases the respectively, compared to the base binder. Moreover, the decreasing
response of shear strain, which leads to a decrease in the deformation of trend of Jnr values is more apparent in higher contents of nano-silica.
the initial creep portion, and this declining behavior is elevated as the The addition of 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-silica to the base binder leads
content of nano-silica increases. Moreover, nano-silica addition yields to to a decrease of Jnr values by an average of 28.2%, 56.7%, and 67.4%,
an increase in the recovery portion of the initial cycle of each binder, respectively, compared to the base binder. It can be concluded that the
which accordingly indicates that the resting time is more effective on 6% nano-silica modified binders display the superior rutting perfor­
nano-silica modified binders since more creep deformation restores to its mance, followed by the 4%, 2%, and 0% nano-silica modified binders.
pristine condition within the resting period. The capability of binders to This occurs in response to the increased viscosity values of binders when
return creep deformation to the pristine state is beneficial for reducing the nano-silica is added into the binders, as evidenced in Fig. 6. Thus, the
the permanent deformation. As can be observed in Fig. 10, increasing stiffness of binders increases, which is beneficial to the rutting resistance
the temperature has a detrimental effect on the elastic deformation, of binders.
meaning that the more the temperature increases, the less the creep According to Fig. 11, the addition of RAP binder into the base binder

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Fig. 9. Phase angle master curves of different binder compounds: (a) 0%NS; (b) 2%NS; (c) 4%NS; and (d) 6%NS.

Table 8 Table 9
The CAM model parameters for complex modulus master curves of binders The CAM model parameters obtained from the phase angle master curves
Sample m k fc R2 Sample m k fc R2

RB 0.9390 0.2155 427262.5005 0.9847 RB 0.8395 2.2158 428.1816 0.8958

RB2N 1.2113 0.1509 6214.1975 0.9898 RB2N 0.8264 2.2545 398.1182 0.9083
RB4N 1.6171 0.1147 21.0439 0.9855 RB4N 0.7988 1277.6565 264918.6295 0.9115
RB6N 1.0898 0.1525 18429.8589 0.9891 RB6N 0.7608 1287.5609 262877.3761 0.8932
RB-20R 1.3851 0.1161 100.9270 0.9796 RB-20R 0.8296 1580.0145 201052.5329 0.9781
RB2N-20R 1.7853 0.1056 1.1107 0.9839 RB2N-20R 0.8180 800.2597 108721.2880 0.9855
RB4N-20R 1.6559 0.0990 1.1017 0.9775 RB4N-20R 0.7968 3.1233 402.1268 0.9681
RB6N-20R 1.6479 0.1006 1.0980 0.9805 RB6N-20R 0.7616 6.8473 977.4814 0.9672
RB-30R 1.7701 0.1060 1.1771 0.9814 RB-30R 0.8286 2.1227 202.4810 0.9848
RB2N-30R 2.2249 0.1004 0.0252 0.9858 RB2N-30R 0.8169 2.0872 199.4863 0.9846
RB4N-30R 1.9874 0.0924 0.0226 0.9800 RB4N-30R 0.7909 5.2267 544.2478 0.9826
RB6N-30R 2.6441 0.0892 0.0002 0.9801 RB6N-30R 0.7532 4.3260 497.0927 0.9766
RB-40R 2.4186 0.0846 0.0001 0.9619 RB-40R 0.8175 1.4839 97.3982 0.9807
RB2N-40R 2.4168 0.0852 0.0001 0.9662 RB2N-40R 0.8061 1.5280 101.9103 0.9813
RB4N-40R 2.0727 0.0774 0.0001 0.9509 RB4N-40R 0.7797 1.8923 136.9762 0.9800
RB6N-40R 2.1122 0.0792 0.0001 0.9570 RB6N-40R 0.7424 3.1799 248.1042 0.9802
RB-50R 2.3518 0.0845 0.0001 0.9677 RB-50R 0.8071 1.9873 94.8177 0.9743
RB2N-50R 2.4032 0.0860 0.0001 0.9758 RB2N-50R 0.7953 2.0492 99.0346 0.9742
RB4N-50R 1.9650 0.0751 0.0001 0.9559 RB4N-50R 0.7679 1.9880 96.9129 0.9683
RB6N-50R 1.9533 0.0763 0.0001 0.9571 RB6N-50R 0.7303 2.5476 139.1849 0.9690

decreases the Jnr values, and this decreasing norm is more evidently on decreasing the Jnr values, which accordingly induces rutting perfor­
reflected on binders with a higher proportion of RAP binder. The addi­ mance of which to enhance. That is, the stiffening effects of both RAP
tion of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% RAP binder into the base binder de­ binder and nano-silica contribute to a substantial improvement in the
creases the Jnr values by an average of 36.2%, 59.0%, 71.0%, and 84.8%, rutting resistance of binders. Adding 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-silica into
respectively, compared to the base binder. The concurrent addition of the binders containing RAP binder leads to a considerable decrease in Jnr
nano-silica and RAP binder into the base binder has a substantial effect values by an average of 68.8%, 71.6%, and 75.6%, respectively,

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N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 10. The initial creep-recovery cycle of each binder at 3.2 KPa.

compared to the base binder. should be noted that the addition of nano-silica to the binder decreases
Delayed elasticity of binders is characterized by percent recovery, R this difference between temperature variations as compared to the base
parameter, which is shown in Fig. 12 for each binder at 3.2 KPa. It is binder, indicating that much more deformations are retained as the
apparently observed that the addition of nano-silica to the binders leads elastic deformations, which are subsequently returned to the original
to an increase in R values. This is favorable in terms of the rutting condition. As the content of nano-silica increases, an increase in R value
resistance since the addition of which elevates the elastic portion in escalates.
binders. The higher the R values, the lower the likelihood of permanent According to Fig. 12, RAP binder incorporation to the base binder
deformation; that is, their capacity to recover creep deformation after increases the R value. For instance, the addition of 20%, 30%, 40%, and
loading cycles increases. Moreover, an increase in temperature leads to a 50% RAP binder to the base binder at 52 ◦ C increases the R values by
decrease in R values. For instance, by raising the temperature of the base 40.6%, 115.6%, 175.1%, and 368.3%, respectively, compared to the
binder from 52 ◦ C to 58 ◦ C, the R value decreases by 72.1%, this is while base binder. This indicates that an increase in the RAP binder content in
by increasing the temperature to 64 ◦ C and 70 ◦ C, this value decreases by the mixes yields to intensify the R values increasing trend that are more
96.3% and 98.4%, respectively, compared to the base binder at 52 ◦ C. It obvious in binders containing 50% RAP binder. Furthermore, the

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Fig. 10. (continued).

addition of RAP binder to the nano-silica modified binders leads to a • For Jnr (3.2) greater than 2 KPa− 1 and less than or equal to 4 KPa− 1,
much more increase in R values. In essence, the binder containing 50% standard grade (S) traffic (fewer than 10 million ESALs and greater
RAP binder modified with 6% nano-silica at 52 ◦ C ranks the best in terms than 70 Km/h traffic loading rate) is applied.
of deformation recovery capacity, this is while the unmodified base • For Jnr (3.2) greater than 1 KPa− 1 and less than or equal to 2 KPa− 1,
binder at 70 ◦ C ranks the worst. high grade (H) traffic (10 to 30 million ESALs and 20 to 70 Km/h
Fig. 13 displays the Jnr-diff values, which shows the stress sensitivity traffic loading rate) is applied.
of binders. As can be seen, by increasing the temperature, the Jnr-diff • For Jnr (3.2) greater than 0.5 KPa− 1 and less than or equal to 1 KPa− 1,
values increase as well. For instance, the Jnr-diff value of the base binder very high grade (V) traffic (greater than 30 million ESALs and less
at 58, 64, and 70 ◦ C is 2.78, 6.00, and 6.64 times greater than that of the than 20 Km/h traffic loading rate) is applied.
base binder at 52 ◦ C. It is clear that the addition of nano-silica to any • For Jnr (3.2) less than or equal to 0.5 KPa− 1, extremely high grade (E)
given binder type leads to an increase in Jnr-diff, implying that the nano- traffic (greater than 30 million ESALs and less than 20 Km/h traffic
silica modified binders possess higher stress dependence, and this loading rate) is applied.
increasing behavior is observed more apparently at lower temperatures.
For instance, the addition of nano-silica into the base binder increases In order to grade binders based on the MSCR test results, reference
the Jnr-diff value by an average of 228.5%, 162.3%, 69.2%, and 68.0% at lines of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 KPa− 1 are drawn in Fig. 11, and the results of
52, 58, 64, and 70 ◦ C, respectively. Moreover, the addition of RAP binders’ grading are listed in Table 10.
binder into the unmodified base binder decreases the stress sensitivity From Table 10, it is seen that by adding the RAP binder and nano-
by an average of 36.6%. In general, the addition of the RAP binder into silica, the grades based on the traffic loadings enhance, generally.
the modified binders increases the Jnr-diff. Additionally, it can be observed that an increase in the RAP binder
A number of requirements for Jnr at 3.2 KPa and Jnr-diff values based content from 30% to 40% results in a leap in the high-temperature
on traffic levels must be met to satisfy the high-temperature properties of performance grade of binders from 64 ◦ C to 70 ◦ C. Based on the re­
binders, which are dictated in accordance with AASHTO MP19-10 [68]. sults, modified binders containing the RAP binder rank the best
Based on this specification, the Jnr-diff values for any given binder must regarding the traffic loading grades, followed by unmodified binders
be lower than 75%. A 75% reference line is displayed for any given containing the RAP binder and the base binder.
binder type in Fig. 13 in order to detect the binder types violating the
mentioned requirement. Above all, some requirements, as well as Jnr-diff,
3.4. LAS test results
are mandated for Jnr at 3.2 KPa to ensure that any given binder type will
satisfy the rutting resistance for any traffic level. Based on the afore­
Fig. 14 represents the fatigue life of different binders at various
mentioned specification, these requirements are summed up as follows:
applied strains. In general, it is apparent that the nano-silica enhances
the fatigue life of asphalt binders. This can be explained by that the
inclusion of nano-silica to the binder leads to an increase in the

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N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 11. Non-recoverable creep compliance of each binder at 3.2 KPa.

resistance of micro-crack formation by establishing the more powerful and the binder containing 30% RAP binder with 6% nano-silica has a
interactions of nanoparticles with asphalt binders’ functional groups, more significant effect on increasing the fatigue life compared to the
resulting in a network formation within the structure of asphalt binder other binder mixes. Moreover, it should be noted that the incorporation
[30]. As can be observed in Fig. 14(a), by increasing the content of nano- of RAP binder to the base binder decreases the fatigue life by an average
silica, the fatigue life of the base binder exhibits a considerable increase. of 49.6% at 1% applied strain, and this reduction in fatigue life can be
According to Fig. 14(a), although the addition of nano-silica to the base offset by the addition of nano-silica.
binder shows an increasing trend by raising its content in asphalt binder, According to Fig. 14(b), the addition of 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-silica
this trend presents inconsistent behavior considering the binders con­ to the base binder increases the fatigue life by 15.5%, 26.3%, and 38.3%,
taining the RAP binder. The incorporation of 20% and 50% RAP binder respectively, compared to the base binder at 2.5% applied strain. This
into the 2% nano-silica modified binder increases the fatigue life by indicates that by increasing the applied strain from 1% to 2.5%, the
18.8% and 24.4%, respectively, compared to the unmodified binders intensity of the effect of nano-silica modification on increasing fatigue
containing 20% and 50% RAP binder, respectively; this is while the life of asphalt binders decreases. The incorporation of the RAP binder
inclusion of 30% RAP binder into the 2% nano-silica modified binder into the base binder decreases the fatigue life by an average of 61.9% at
decreases the fatigue life by 10.1% compared to the unmodified binder 2.5% applied strain, while this amount was 49.6% at 1% applied strain.
containing 30% RAP binder, and fatigue life of binders containing 40% This clearly indicates that an increase in the applied strain leads to a
RAP binder modified with 2% nano-silica is almost equal to the un­ decline in the extent to which it affects fatigue life. In addition, the
modified binder with 40% RAP binder. The binders modified with 4% modification of the base binder with nano-silica increases the fatigue life
nano-silica shows an increasing fatigue life trend compared to the 2% by an average of 26.7% compared to the base binder, while the addition
nano-silica modified binders, while this trend is excluded from binder of nano-silica into the RAP binder contained asphalt binders results in a
comprising of 20% RAP binder. The incorporation of 30%, 40%, and 52.4% increase in the average fatigue life of binders compared to the
50% RAP binder to the 4% nano-silica modified binders increases the unmodified binders.
fatigue life by an average of 19.7% compared to the 2% nano-silica According to Fig. 14(c), the addition of 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-silica
modified binders; this is while the inclusion of 20% RAP binder to 4% into the base binder increases the fatigue life by 6.1%, 12.9%, and
nano-silica modified binder decreases the fatigue life by 3.5% compared 18.6%, respectively, compared to the base binder. This decreasing trend
to the binder containing 20% RAP binder modified with 2% nano-silica. in the effectiveness of nano-silica on increasing the fatigue life of asphalt
Besides, among different binders, the modification of the base binder binders is similar to Fig. 14(b) in that an increase in the applied strain

15
N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 12. Percent recovery (R%) values of each binder at 3.2 KPa.

leads to a decline in the influence of nano-silica on increasing the fatigue respectively, compared to the base binder. The effect of nano-silica
life. The RAP binder addition to the base binder decreases the fatigue life modification on decreasing the m-value is more apparent at higher
by an average of 69% compared to the base binder. This can be due to temperatures. The addition of nano-silica into the base binder decreases
the increased stiffness of binders as a consequence of the addition of the the m-values by an average of 18.2%, 6.2%, and 5.6% at temperatures of
RAP binder into mixes, which accordingly leads to the earlier emergence − 6 ◦ C, − 12 ◦ C, and − 18 ◦ C, respectively, compared to the base binder.
of micro-cracks in the case of being subjected to repeated loadings. This AASHTO T313 states that the m-value for all types of binders should not
discovery is in agreement with the findings identified by Daryaee et al. be lower than 0.3 after the loading time of the 60s [8]. It is evident in
[69]. This reduction in fatigue life, owing to the addition of the RAP Fig. 15(a) that the addition of nano-silica to the base binder does not
binder, can be offset by adding nano-silica. The addition of nano-silica have any effect on the low-temperature performance grade of the
leads to a 32.1% compensation for the decrease in fatigue life, arising binder.
from the addition of the RAP binder into the base binder at 5% applied The addition of the RAP binder into the base binder decreases the m-
strain. values significantly, indicating that the RAP binder has an adverse effect
on the low-temperature performance of asphalt binders. Also, The
3.5. BBR test results contemporaneous addition of RAP binder and nano-silica to the base
binder aggravate the low-temperature performance of binders more
The creep hardness, m-value, represents the binders’ alteration in significantly.
hardness with the load variations employed. The results of the m-value The strength of binders under the constant load is characterized by
for different binders are illustrated in Fig. 15. As can be seen, the the creep stiffness (S). the higher the S value, the lower the low-
addition of nano-silica decreases the m-values, so it can be identified temperature resistance of binders. Fig. 16 exhibits the results of S
that nano-silica has a detrimental effect on the low-temperature prop­ values for any given binder.
erties of binders. Moreover, this decreasing trend is intensified by As can be seen in Fig. 16(a), the addition of nano-silica increases the
increasing the content of nano-silica in binders. stiffness of binders, and this has a detrimental effect on low-temperature
The addition of 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-silica to the base binder de­ cracking of asphalt binders. The addition of 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-silica
creases the m-values by an average of 6.8%, 10.1%, and 13.1%, to the base binder increases the stiffness by an average of 14.4%, 29.0%,

16
N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 13. Jnr-diff values for each binder type.

and 40.4%, respectively, compared to the base binder. Moreover, the

Table 10
higher the temperature, the higher the effect of nano-silica on increasing
Grading of asphalt binders based on the traffic levels
the stiffness. The addition of nano-silica at temperatures of − 6 ◦ C,
Binder type Grade − 12 ◦ C, and − 18 ◦ C increases the stiffness of asphalt binders by an
52 ◦ C 58 ◦ C 64 ◦ C 70 ◦ C average of 36.4%, 34.1%, and 13.3%, respectively, compared to the base
0% RAP binder + 0%NS V H – –
binder. Consequently, in terms of ranking the effectiveness of nano-silica
0% RAP binder + 2%NS E H S – modification on increasing the stiffness of binders, the 6% nano-silica
0% RAP binder + 4%NS E V S – modification has the highest impact on increasing the stiffness at − 6 ◦ C.
0% RAP binder + 6%NS E V H S According to Fig. 16, the addition of the RAP binder into the base
20% RAP binder + 0%NS E H S
binder increases the stiffness of asphalt binders. The addition of 20%,
–
20% RAP binder + 2%NS E V S –
20% RAP binder + 4%NS E V S – 30%, 40%, and 50% RAP binder to the base binder increases the stiffness
20% RAP binder + 6%NS E V – – by an average of 36.2%, 46.0%, 54.5%, and 65.7%, respectively,
30% RAP binder + 0%NS E V S – compared to the base binder; this is while the addition of the 20%, 30%,
30% RAP binder + 2%NS E V H – 40%, and 50% RAP binder into the modified binders increases the
30% RAP binder + 4%NS E V H –
30% RAP binder + 6%NS E E H –
stiffness by an average of 79.6%, 96.6%, 112.7%, and 136.4%, respec­
40% RAP binder + 0%NS E V H S tively, compared to the base binder. Thus, this clearly indicates that the
40% RAP binder + 2%NS E E H S concurrent adverse effects of the RAP binder addition and nano-silica
40% RAP binder + 4%NS E E H S modification on low-temperature cracking of asphalt binders are
40% RAP binder + 6%NS E E H S
significant.
50% RAP binder + 0%NS E E V H
50% RAP binder + 2%NS E E V H
50% RAP binder + 4%NS E E V H 3.6. Four-point beam fatigue test results
50% RAP binder + 6%NS E E V H

The fatigue life of short-term aged and long-term aged SMA mixtures
derived from the four-point beam fatigue test are depicted in Fig. 17 and
Fig. 18, respectively, at two strain levels of 500 and 700 με at 20 ◦ C.

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N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 14. The fatigue life of different binders from LAS test at applied strains of: (a) 1%; (b) 2.5%; (c) 5%

18
N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 15. The m-values of binders containing: (a) 0% RAP binder; (b) 20% RAP binder; (c) 30% RAP binder; (d) 40% RAP binder; (e) 50% RAP binder.

Considering Fig. 17, the addition of RAP materials to the control asphalt mixtures is delayed [30]. Also, It can be observed that the op­
mixture decreases the fatigue life of SMA mixtures. This can be timum content of nano-silica in terms of increasing fatigue life of SMA
explained by that the RAP materials contain the aged binder, which mixtures is 4% since the trend of fatigue life up to the 4% nano-silica
accordingly causes the whole mixture to become much stiffer compared modification is increasing, while the addition of nano-silica at higher
to the mixtures containing virgin binder and aggregates, so the RAP- content results in a decreasing trend. Furthermore, in general, an in­
contained mixtures exhibit lower fatigue life. As it is expected, the crease in the applied strain level leads to a decline in the effectiveness of
more the content of RAP materials increases into the mixtures, the more nano-silica on increasing the fatigue life of SMA mixtures.
the fatigue life decreases. Moreover, the inclusion of RAP materials to According to Fig. 17, the decreased fatigue life of mixtures con­
the mixtures affects their fatigue life at lower strain levels more taining the RAP materials can be offset by modifying the binder with
significantly. nano-silica. The modification of the binder with 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-
Considering Fig. 17, the addition of nano-silica induces the control silica increases the fatigue life of mixtures comprising of RAP materials
mixture’s fatigue life to increase. This can be explained by that the by an average of 81.4%, 297.0%, and 193.4%, respectively, compared to
addition of the nano-silica into asphalt binders induces a fortified the mixtures containing RAP materials fabricated by the base binder at
interaction between the nanoparticles and the functional groups of strain level of 500 microstrains; this is while these values are 141.8%,
asphalt binders, resulting in a network establishment within the struc­ 239.6%, and 117.1%, respectively, compared to the mixtures
ture of asphalt binders; as a result, the emergence of micro-cracks in comprising of RAP materials prepared by the base binder at strain level

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N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 16. The creep stiffness values of different types of binders containing: (a) 0% RAP binder; (b) 20% RAP binder; (c) 30% RAP binder; (d) 40% RAP binder; (e)
50% RAP binder.

of 700 microstrains. In general, this evidently displays the remarkable stain level of 700 microstrains. This indicates that the long-term aging
effectiveness of the nano-silica modification on increasing the fatigue affects the behavior of asphalt mixtures. A more percentage of decline in
life of RAP materials contained mixtures at lower strain levels. Conse­ fatigue life is observed at higher strain levels after the application of
quently, it is worth mentioning that the control mixture modified with long-term aging on asphalt mixtures, while, as mentioned, this was vice
the 4% nano-silica ranks the best regarding the fatigue life. versa for short-term aged mixtures.
As can be seen in Fig. 18(a), the behavior of mixtures containing the According to Fig. 18, the fabrication of SMA mixtures modified with
RAP materials after long-term aging is similar to the short-term aged nano-silica leads to a higher fatigue resistance than that of the control
mixtures in that the RAP materials incorporation to the mixtures de­ mixture. The mixtures modified with 2%, 4%, and 6% nano-silica pos­
creases the fatigue life. For instance, the incorporation of the 20%, 30%, sesses 83.5%, 282.1%, and 238.1% higher fatigue life than that of the
40%, and 50% RAP materials to the control SMA mixtures decreases the control mixture at 500 microstrains, respectively; this is while the
fatigue life by 12.3%, 21.6%, 32.7%, and 44.8%, respectively, compared mentioned values are 109.9%, 208.5%, and 79.6% at 700 microstrains,
to the control mixture without RAP materials at strain level of 500 respectively. This behavior in long-term aged mixtures is similar to the
microstrains; this is while the aforementioned values are 10.6%, 23.4%, short-term mixtures in that the effectiveness of nano-silica modification
45.8%, and 62.6%, respectively, compared to the control mixture at on increasing the fatigue life of mixtures is more evidently reflected on

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N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 17. The fatigue life of short-term aged SMA mixtures obtained from four-point beam fatigue test at strain levels of: (a) 500 microstrains; (b) 700 microstrains.

which the strain level of 500 microstrains was applied. equivalent mixtures on which the sole short-term aging was applied. The
Considering Fig. 18, the specimens containing the RAP materials reduction in the percent difference between short and long-term aged
modified with nano-silica display better fatigue resistance than those of mixtures’ fatigue life containing the RAP materials can be explained by
unmodified ones. As can be seen, a 2% nano-silica modification of that the RAP materials have been subjected to extreme aging during
mixtures containing the RAP materials results in a higher fatigue life their lifetime, and further aging in the laboratory affects their fatigue life
compared to the control mixture regardless of the applied strain level. less than those of mixtures without RAP materials.
The SMA mixtures containing RAP materials fabricated with nano-silica
modified binder exhibit 216.8% higher fatigue life, on average, than that
3.7. Correlation between fatigue life of asphalt binders and mixtures
of the unmodified mixtures containing RAP materials at the strain level
of 500 microstrains. In comparison, this value is 189.7% at the strain
The correlation between the fatigue life of asphalt binders and
level of 700 microstrains, and this shows that the results regarding the
mixtures is depicted in Fig. 19. The fatigue life of asphalt binders at 2.5%
effectiveness of nano-silica on RAP contained mixtures subjected to the
applied strain correlates with the fatigue life of SMA mixtures at 500
long-term aging procedure are consistent with those on which the sole
micro-strains [70]. As can be seen in Fig. 19, the correlation coefficients
short-term aging was applied.
(R2) of all types of mixes are greater than 0.84, indicating a strong
In terms of evaluating the aging impact on fatigue life, it should be
relationship between the fatigue lives of binders and mixtures. However,
noted that the long-term aging decreases the fatigue life of mixtures
the R2 values for fatigue lives of long-term aged SMA mixtures and
without RAP materials by an average of 66.1% compared to the short-
asphalt binders are higher than those of short-term aged SMA mixtures.
term aged mixtures at the strain level of 500 microstrains. In compari­
This can be explained by that since the LAS test was conducted on PAV-
son, an average of 45.8% decline in the fatigue life of long-term aged
aged binders, they show a better fatigue life relationship with their
mixtures containing RAP materials is observed compared to the
corresponding long-term aged mixtures’ fatigue life. Additionally, it can

21
N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 18. The fatigue life of long-term aged SMA mixtures obtained from four-point beam fatigue test at strain levels of: (a) 500 microstrains; (b) 700 microstrains.

be observed that the addition of nano-silica into mixtures/binders re­ silica will result in the best overall performance if the adoption of the
sults in a poorer relationship between asphalt binders and mixtures’ RAP materials is at the discretion of the paving engineers, and the
fatigue life, as evidenced in Fig. 19(a). However, with reference to composite desirability value in this combination is 0.529. It implies that
Fig. 19(b), the addition of nano-silica into binders/mixtures does not although the use of RAP materials in combination with nano-silica led to
affect the R2 values significantly, with the only exception that the lower desirability compared to mixes with no RAP materials, the envi­
incorporation of 6% nano-silica into binders/mixtures leads to a poorer ronmentally associated benefits, as well as the cost reduction associated
correlation. with the use of RAP materials in asphalt pavements compensate for the
decline in the mentioned desirability.
3.8. Optimization of the nano-silica and RAP contents
3.9. Economic analysis of the optimum combination
After analyzing the results obtained from several tests conducted on
asphalt binders and SMA mixtures with varying contents of nano-silica Economic analysis is one of the preliminary stages in evaluating the
and RAP materials, it is necessary that their optimum contents be usefulness of a project; thus, in this study, the economic analysis was
determined. For this, the results obtained from the MSCR test, four-point implemented on the optimum SMA mixture combination, discussed in
beam fatigue test, and BBR test were incorporated into Minitab software Section 5.8. For this, different parameters of the control mixture were
in order to optimize the nano-silica and RAP contents to achieve the best compared with those of the 4.8% nano-silica modified SMA mixture
overall performance. For optimizing the results, the response optimizer containing 20% RAP materials. According to guidelines prepared by
tool in Minitab was used. Table 11 presents the two possible solutions for AASHTO for designing asphalt pavements, asphalt mixtures with higher
this: on the one hand, solution (1) demonstrates that the addition of resilient modulus values result in reduced pavements’ thickness [28]. It
5.5% nano-silica into the base binder with no RAP materials will result can be deduced that the stiffer asphalt mixture possesses lower pave­
in the best overall performance in which the composite desirability is ment thickness. In this study, it was shown that both nano-silica and RAP
0.865, while on the other hand, solution (2) represents that the materials increase the stiffness of mixtures; so, the thickness required for
contemporaneous utilization of 20% RAP materials with 4.8% nano- the construction of pavements containing nano-silica and RAP materials

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N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Fig. 19. Correlation between the fatigue lives of asphalt binders and SMA mixtures: (a) short-term aged mixtures & PAV-aged binders; and (b) long-term aged
mixtures & PAV-aged binders.

3.10. Statistical analysis results

Table 11
The possible optimum solutions for the RAP and nano-silica contents
After implementing and interpreting the results obtained from
Solution RAP content Nano-silica content Composite desirability different tests, the analysis of variance(ANOVA) statistical analysis
1 0 5.5 0.865 approach was employed to investigate the significance level of different
2 20 4.8 0.529 variables, such as temperature changes, RAP content, nano-silica con­
tent, aging condition, and frequency ranges used in this study to perform
various tests both on asphalt binders and SMA mixtures. In this study,
Table 12 the confidence level of 95% was considered to implement the ANOVA
Predicted cost-effective mixture method, and the results obtained from this analysis are summarized in
Parameters Optimum mixture Control mixture Table 13.
Utilized aggregate – Grew by 35%
This analysis consists of two important parameters, including P-value
Utilized asphalt binder – Grew by 30% and F-value. The former demonstrates that whether a parameter
Utilized nano-silica Grew by 20% – considered in a test has a significant effect on results, and if the P-value
Pavement construction time Grew by 10% – for a parameter is less than 0.05, considering a 95% confidence level, so
Pavement construction costs Grew by 40%
–
it indicates that it has a significant impact on the obtained results;
otherwise, it is categorized as insignificant, while the latter ranks the
is lower compared to the control mixture. Table 12 presents the pre­ parameters in terms of their significance level. The higher the F-value of
dicted cost-effective mixture considering the control mixture and opti­ a parameter, the more it is effective on the obtained results.
mum mixture with nano-silica and RAP materials. It should be noted Considering Table 13, the P-values for all parameters are less than
that in the reporting of the predicted values, the declined pavement 0.05, indicating that no parameter for any given test is found to have an
thickness of the optimum mixture was also considered. insignificant effect on the obtained results. According to the results, the
temperature is the most influential parameter on rotational viscosity

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N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

Table 13
The ANOVA results for the impact of temperature, RAP content, nano-silica content, aging condition, frequency ranges, and strain level on the performance of asphalt
binders and fatigue resistance of SMA mixtures.
Source Interval numbers Adjusted Sum of Squares Adjusted Mean Square F-value P-value Acceptance

Rotational viscosity
Temperature 110–165(◦ C) 2912.74 970.912 199.25 0.000 Accept
RAP content 0–50(%) 174.03 43.508 8.93 0.000 Accept
Nano-silica content 0–6(%) 92.19 30.731 6.31 0.000 Accept
Aging condition Unaged-LTA 412.55 206.275 42.33 0.000 Accept
FAE
RAP content 0–50(%) 315.3 78.83 7.61 0.000 Accept
Nano-silica content 0–6(%) 469.7 156.56 15.12 0.000 Accept
Aging condition Unaged-LTA 879.0 439.48 42.45 0.000 Accept
Frequency Sweep (Complex modulus)
Temperature 52–64(◦ C) 2.73393E + 12 1.3E + 12 381.30 0.000 Accept
RAP content 0–50(%) 1.11867E + 12 3.7E + 11 104.02 0.000 Accept
Nano-silica content 0–6(%) 1.74627E + 11 5.8E + 10 16.24 0.000 Accept
Frequency 0.1–60(Hz) 1.20984E + 13 5.2E + 11 146.73 0.000 Accept
Frequency Sweep (Phase Angle)
Temperature 52–64(◦ C) 24,540 12270.0 506.04 0.000 Accept
RAP content 0–50(%) 14,988 4996.0 206.04 0.000 Accept
Nano-silica content 0–6(%) 6397 2132.5 87.95 0.000 Accept
Frequency 0.1–60(Hz) 121,100 5265.2 217.15 0.000 Accept
Jnr at 3.2 KPa
Temperature 52–70(◦ C) 219.05 73.016 57.18 0.000 Accept
RAP content 0–50(%) 56.53 14.132 11.07 0.000 Accept
nano-silica content 0–6(%) 16.17 5.391 4.22 0.008 Accept
R% at 3.2 KPa
Temperature 52–70(◦ C) 1971.8 657.27 52.64 0.000 Accept
RAP content 0–50(%) 2557.5 639.37 51.21 0.000 Accept
nano-silica content 0–6(%) 1189.0 396.33 31.74 0.000 Accept
Jnr-diff
Temperature 52–70( ◦ C) 21,490 7163.4 38.56 0.000 Accept
RAP content 0–50(%) 4631 1157.8 6.23 0.000 Accept
nano-silica content 0–6(%) 13,852 4617.2 24.85 0.000 Accept
Nf from LAS test
RAP content 0–50(%) 476E + 10 1.19E + 10 266.38 0.000 Accept
nano-silica content 0–6(%) 4,642,911,374 155E + 9 34.67 0.000 Accept
M-value
Temperature − 6 to − 18(◦ C) 0.12577 0.062885 153.60 0.000 Accept
RAP content 0–50(%) 0.15749 0.039372 96.17 0.000 Accept
nano-silica content 0–6(%) 0.02721 0.009071 22.16 0.000 Accept
Creep Stiffness
Temperature − 6 to − 18(◦ C) 594,637 297,318 993.94 0.000 Accept
RAP content 0–50(%) 66,358 16,590 55.46 0.000 Accept
nano-silica content 0–6(%) 38,449 12,816 42.85 0.000 Accept
Nf from beam fatigue test
Strain level 500, 700(με) 1.14519E + 11 1.14E + 11 74.91 0.000 Accept
RAP content 0–50(%) 2.48E + 10 6.20E + 9 4.06 0.005 Accept
Nano-silica content 0–6(%) 6.51E + 10 2.17E + 10 14.20 0.000 Accept
Aging condition STA, LTA 3.65E + 10 3.65E + 10 23.93 0.000 Accept

values, followed by the aging condition, RAP binder content, and nano- 4. Summary of the results
silica content. Besides, the flow activation energy is considerably
dependant upon the binders’ aging condition. Moreover, the complex This study was categorized into two primary goals: (1) the investi­
modulus and phase angle of binders obtained from the frequency sweep gation on the rheological behavior of asphalt binders containing varying
test are largely dependant upon the applied temperature, followed by contents of nano-silica, RAP binder, and nano-silica + RAP binder using
frequency changes, RAP binder content, and nano-silica content. several tests, including rotational viscosity(RV) considering the flow
Furthermore, considering the results of the MSCR and BBR test, the activation energy (FAE) method, frequency sweep, MSCR, LAS, and BBR
temperature ranks the first in terms of its effectiveness on Jnr, R%, m- test; and (2) the evaluation of the fatigue resistance of short-and long-
value, and creep stiffness value, followed by the RAP binder content and term aged SMA mixtures containing nano-silica and RAP materials using
nano-silica content; this is while the RAP binder content is the least the four-point beam fatigue (4 PB) test. Based on the results obtained
influential parameter on the Jnr-diff values. from various tests conducted on asphalt binders and SMA mixtures, the
According to the asphalt binders and SMA mixtures fatigue life re­ following conclusions can be made:
sults, the RAP binder content is the most significant parameter on the
fatigue damage resistance of asphalt binders, followed by the nano-silica • Based on the results obtained from the rotational viscosity test, the
content. In addition, the applied strain level on SMA mixtures in beam RTFO and PAV aging increased the viscosity of binders substantially;
fatigue test is discovered to be the most effective parameter regarding also, the contemporaneous addition of RAP binder and nano-silica
the fatigue life, followed by the aging condition, nano-silica content, and into asphalt binders led to a dramatic increase in the rotational vis­
RAP content within the mixtures. cosity values. In addition, nano-silica modified binders subjected to
RTFO aging exhibited decreased sensitivity to the temperature
changes and more resistance against the flowing.

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N. Kamboozia et al. Construction and Building Materials 303 (2021) 124433

• In the frequency sweep test, it was found that the concurrent addition J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 32 (3) (2020) 04019376, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)
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[4] R. Li, F. Xiao, S. Amirkhanian, Z. You, J. Huang, Developments of nano materials
increased elasticity of binders, as evidenced by the decrease in phase and technologies on asphalt materials–a review, Constr. Build. Mater. 143 (2017)
angle values, which was more apparent in binders with higher con­ 633–648.
tents of nano-silica. [5] S.K. Badroodi, M.R. Keymanesh, G. Shafabakhsh, Experimental investigation of the
fatigue phenomenon in nano silica-modified warm mix asphalt containing recycled
• The MSCR test results demonstrated that the addition of nano-silica asphalt considering self-healing behavior, Constr. Build. Mater. 246 (2020),
or RAP binder into asphalt binders enhanced the rutting resistance of 117558.
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involved in reclaimed asphalt pavement, Int. J. Pavement Res. Technol. 12 (2)
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content from 30% to 40% resulted in a high-temperature perfor­ [9] H. Ziari, A. Moniri, P. Bahri, Y. Saghafi, The effect of rejuvenators on the aging
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[10] A. Mansourkhaki, M. Ameri, D. Daryaee, Application of different modifiers for
• Based on the results obtained from the LAS test, the decrease in the improvement of chemical characterization and physical-rheological parameters of
fatigue life of binders containing RAP binder could be offset by reclaimed asphalt binder, Constr. Build. Mater. 203 (2019) 83–94.
adding nano-silica into binders, and its improving effect on the fa­ [11] A. Moniri, H. Ziari, M. Aliha, Y. Saghafi, Laboratory study of the effect of oil-based
recycling agents on high RAP asphalt mixtures, Int. J. Pavement Eng. (2019) 1–12.
tigue resistance of RAP binder contained asphalt binders was high­
[12] H. Gong, B. Huang, X. Shu, Field performance evaluation of asphalt mixtures
lighted at lower applied strain levels. The reason that nano-silica containing high percentage of RAP using LTPP data, Constr. Build. Mater. 176
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CRediT authorship contribution statement conbuildmat.2019.116985.
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Neda Kamboozia: Supervision, Writing - review & editing, Project bitumen in combination with rejuvenator in high reclaimed asphalt pavement
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Writing - review & editing, Resources. Sina Mousavi Rad: Data cura­ pavement, Pet. Sci. Technol. 35 (15) (2017) 1556–1561.
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Declaration of competing interest the effect of nano SiO2 and TiO2 on short and long-term aging behavior of
bitumen, Constr. Build. Mater. 237 (2020), 117640.
[27] H. Ziari, H. Behbahani, N. Kamboozia, M. Ameri, New achievements on positive
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial effects of nanotechnology zyco-soil on rutting resistance and stiffness modulus of
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence glasphalt mix, Constr. Build. Mater. 101 (2015) 752–760.
the work reported in this paper. In this study, Iranian governmental [28] H. Behbahani, H. Ziari, N. Kamboozia, A. Mansour Khaki, S.M. Mirabdolazimi,
Evaluation of performance and moisture sensitivity of glasphalt mixtures modified
organizations have not been partnerships and sponsorship.
with nanotechnology zycosoil as an anti-stripping additive, Constr. Build. Mater.
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